An endangered female hawksbill sea turtle airlifted from St. Croix to be treated at the Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys may be out of danger of dying, officials announced.
Good Hope, named after the beach where she was discovered, is both recovering from treatment and producing more eggs, according to hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach. Staff said the production is evidence of the success of antibiotics, wound care and physical therapy.
"When Good Hope came to the Turtle Hospital, it looked like we might have to amputate her front flippers," said Richie Moretti, who founded the facility more than 25 years ago. "But she's getting stronger and stronger every day."
The lucky turtle has laid 55 eggs at the hospital since Sept. 1, 47 of which are being incubated on the turtle’s native sand.
"So we want to keep it as close to nature as possible and give them (the eggs and possible hatchlings) the best chance for survival," she said, although it is not yet possible to determine the fertility of the eggs.
Now that more urgent medical conditions were addressed, staff is focusing their attention Good Hope’s swollen eyes.
Good Hope was found Aug. 24 with severe injuries and was once in grave condition. Officials believe she was injured by fisherman trying to remove their gear.
